Exercise has many positive effects on your health. It helps reduce cholesterol and high blood pressure as well as helps manage your weight. Exercise may also have external positive effects as well. For most people, it makes you sweat which helps release toxins and chemicals, like salt and sugars, from the body. Sweat is also one effect caused by the increase in body temperature because of exercise (Resource 1).
Core Temperature
At rest, the body's core temperature is between 97.7 F and 99.5 F. As physical activity increases, the body's core temperature starts to rise, in some cases up to 104 F. To prevent serious damage or harm to internal organs, the hypothalamus , located in the brain, sends out signals to various parts of the body to release the excess heat. Heat is released mostly through the skin through sweat, which then evaporates and helps cool the body. The heart pumps more blood to keep things cool while blood vessels expand as well, carrying warm blood away from internal organs.
Body Regulates
To prevent serious illness or injury, it is very important that your body regulates excess heat. Too much heat may result in dizziness, heat cramps and exhaustion as well as may lead to heatstroke. Damage caused by heatstroke may include organ malfunction, brain damage and even death in severe cases. Temperature regulation is also important outside of the body. When you exercise in a hot and humid place, sweat may not cool down the body as efficiently as it would when you exercise in a cool and dry place. As a result, the body releases too much water and severe dehydration may take place.
Regulating Temperature
If possible, work out in a cool and dry place. This will let sweat evaporate, thus cooling the body down quickly. If you prefer to work out outdoors, head out either before sunrise or after sunset for optimal temperature conditions. Whether indoors or out, wear loose fitting clothing made out of breathable materials such as cotton. Clothing made out of fibers that wicker away sweat also help keep the body cool, dry and comfortable. Wear lighter colors when working out during warmer months and darker colors when working out on cooler months.
Water Intake
To help your body regulate its core temperature, it is important to drink plenty of water before, during and after your workout as well as throughout your normal daily routine. Water makes up about 60 percent of your body and 73 percent of your muscle mass. It also makes up a large portion of your blood volume. Eat fruits and vegetables throughout the day to boost your water intake as well as 2 cups of water two hours before you exercise. Take a sip of water every 15 minutes or so throughout your workout to prevent dehydration as well as help your body keep things cool.
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